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stern

Q: How does the adjective 'stern' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of stern are ascetic , austere , and severe . While all these words mean "given to or marked by strict discipline and firm restraint," stern stresses inflexibility and inexorability of temper or character. // stern arbiters of public morality

Q: Where would 'ascetic' be a reasonable alternative to 'stern'?

In some situations, the words ascetic and stern are roughly equivalent. However, ascetic implies abstention from pleasure and comfort or self-indulgence as spiritual discipline. // the ascetic life of the monks

Q: When can 'austere' be used instead of 'stern'?

The meanings of austere and stern largely overlap; however, austere stresses absence of warmth, color, or feeling and may apply to rigorous restraint, simplicity, or self-denial. // living an austere life in the country

Q: When is 'severe' a more appropriate choice than 'stern'?

While the synonyms severe and stern are close in meaning, severe implies standards enforced without indulgence or laxity and may suggest harshness. // severe military discipline

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Synonyms & Antonyms of stern

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 given to exacting standards of discipline and self-restraint

the army post's stern commander always had the utmost respect of those who served under him

Synonyms for stern

Words Related to stern

demanding,
exacting

dour,
gruff

Near Antonyms for stern

responsive,
willing

Antonyms for stern

2 harsh and threatening in manner or appearance

a stern receptionist took our names without even looking up

Synonyms for stern

Words Related to stern

Near Antonyms for stern

Antonyms for stern

stern

noun

Synonyms of stern (Entry 2 of 2)

as in beam

Synonyms & Near Synonyms for stern

beam

backside,
behind,
booty
(also bootie)
[slang],
bottom,
breech,
bum,
buns,
butt,
buttocks,
caboose,
can,
cheeks,
derriere
(or derrière),
duff,
fanny,
fundament,
hams,
haunches,
heinie
[slang],
hunkers,
keister
(also keester)
[slang],
nates,
posterior,
rear,
rear end,
rump,
seat,
tail,
tail end,
tush
[slang]

moon
[slang]

Frequently Asked Questions About stern

How does the adjective stern contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of stern are ascetic, austere, and severe. While all these words mean "given to or marked by strict discipline and firm restraint," stern stresses inflexibility and inexorability of temper or character.

stern arbiters of public morality

Where would ascetic be a reasonable alternative to stern?

In some situations, the words ascetic and stern are roughly equivalent. However, ascetic implies abstention from pleasure and comfort or self-indulgence as spiritual discipline.

the ascetic life of the monks

When can austere be used instead of stern?

The meanings of austere and stern largely overlap; however, austere stresses absence of warmth, color, or feeling and may apply to rigorous restraint, simplicity, or self-denial.

living an austere life in the country

When is severe a more appropriate choice than stern?

While the synonyms severe and stern are close in meaning, severe implies standards enforced without indulgence or laxity and may suggest harshness.

severe military discipline

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